Blood sweat and tears

VAI The huntress "That's good to know. I was born in Flowerbirth, so I'll take that as a sign of good luck," Vai said conversationally, standing aside while Maea undressed to reveal the pattern of colourful bruises on her back. She was distracted by them, at first, her eyes widening ever so slightly, and only as she moved to look at them properly did she realise that the other woman had spoken again. "...Waiting is not their way," she said softly. "My daughter was one of the warriors out there. They come from a place where waiting brings more danger than not. So while I agree with you, I understand why it happened." That didn't make it any less grim, or any less needless, and it didn't change the outcome. But the demon was gone, and Ronin Taliesin had done what he had set out to do. Of that there was no doubt. Rubbing her hands together and diving into the well of her power, Vai moved gentle hands over the worst of the bruises on Maea's back; where she touched, a soft light suffused her fingers and the injuries began to slowly fade. "Do you live alone, then?" she asked, sounding a touch concerned. Falling from a ladder was one thing, but if something had happened where Maea couldn't move or get up or get help, that could be altogether worse.